
Woe engulfs my weary, broken heart
I hold a profoundly sickening sadness
I hear the calls of the forlorn, the mentally ill,
The outraged, the sick, and the hungry
My heart constricts in awe and shock
At the forcible separation of loved ones
At centuries old, repeating attacks from those who hate
At egregious sorrow over aggression, violence, and death
I literally feel ill at the repeating horror of rape
The numbing continuance of sexual abuse
The hiding of the darkness by all means
The lengths taken to save face for the perpetrators
Where is the presence of Love here?
Who is allowing this darkness agency?
Who is condoning the aggressors and the rapists?
When are we going to stand up and stop this madness?
Here I am, Lord, Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go, Lord, if you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart*

God of all, hear my prayers
Respond with power and mightiness
Cleanse all souls living in virulent hatred
Cleanse all genetic patterns of horrific atrocities
Teach us Love of self and “other” that we may heal
We are the ones to carry the Light
We are the ones to speak up
We are the ones to vote for the greater whole
We can be the best ones we were sent here to be
*This verse is from Here I am Lord by Daniel Schutte, 1981.